Club Tourism Opens International Sales for Its MLIT Award-Winning Hokkaido Drift Ice Tour for Winter 2027
Recognized for fostering interaction with Japanese travelers and safe winter travel in Hokkaido, this 2-day tour features 7 drift ice highlights.
Club Tourism International Inc., a Japan-based travel company, announced that its drift ice tour in Hokkaido for international visitors to Japan has been awarded the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award at the Tour Grand Prix 2026, one of Japan’s most prestigious travel industry awards. The tour was designed as a shared travel experience in which Japanese and international travelers explore Hokkaido together on the same itinerary. It was highly praised for creating opportunities for cross-cultural interaction through multilingual support, and for offering an efficient way to explore the Shiretoko and Abashiri areas, which can be difficult to access independently in winter. Following this award, Club Tourism has launched overseas sales for the 2027 winter season and will actively promote the unique appeal of Hokkaido in winter to travelers worldwide, with a particular focus on East Asia and Southeast Asia.
This 2-day tour brings together the very best of Hokkaido’s winter wonders, featuring 7 unforgettable drift ice viewpoints and experiences. Travelers can efficiently explore Eastern Hokkaido, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shiretoko Peninsula, and enjoy unique winter experiences that are difficult to arrange independently, such as a cruise aboard the Aurora Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker and a hands-on drift ice experience.
Tour page URL: https://tour.club-t.com/tour/detail?p_from=880000&p_company_cd=1002000&p_course_no2=22724&p_baitai_web=CTOP&p_baitai=990&ToCd=TD
· 7 drift ice views and experiences:
1. Panoramic drift ice views from Mt. Tento
2. Drift ice touch experience in Shari
3. Drift ice views from the large hot spring bath at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
4. Oshinkoshin Falls, one of Shiretoko’s most scenic waterfalls
5. Kitahama Station, known as the closest railway station to drift ice
6. Roadside Station Ryuhyo-kaido Abashiri
7. Close-up drift ice viewing aboard the Aurora icebreaker cruise
· Premium accommodation and dining
Guests stay at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel, one of the leading resort hotels in the Shiretoko area, where they can enjoy hot springs and cuisine unique to Hokkaido.
· Simple direct booking
Travelers around the world can book easily through Club Tourism’s official multilingual website.
· Departure period
Departures are scheduled to depart from late January through early March 2027. Please visit the official website for specific departure dates and travel prices.
[Background of the Award and the Significance of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award]
The Tour Grand Prix is a prestigious award program that recognizes outstanding travel products developed and operated in Japan. Club Tourism’s drift ice tour received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award in recognition of its innovative approach of bringing Japanese and international travelers together on the same tour, its provision of safe and comfortable winter travel in Hokkaido, and its contribution to regional tourism. Key factors behind the award included:
● Promoting interaction between Japanese travelers and international travelers
The tour brings Japanese and international travelers together on the same journey through Hokkaido, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction beyond language and cultural differences while allowing participants to experience Japan’s unique spirit of hospitality firsthand.
● Ensuring safe winter travel in Hokkaido
Winter driving conditions in Hokkaido can present challenges, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with snowy roads. The tour addresses these concerns by providing professionally managed transportation, accompanied by experienced tour escorts and drivers, allowing participants to travel safely and comfortably throughout the region.
● Contributing to the regional economy and promoting sustainable tourism
By bringing Japanese and international travelers together on the same tour, the program helps maintain a stable flow of visitors to the region. This contributes to local hotels, attractions, and tourism businesses while also supporting sustainable tourism through guidance on local etiquette and responsible travel practices provided by tour conductors.
[Future Outlook: Executive Comment]
“We are honored to receive this award as recognition of our efforts to connect travelers from around the world with the unique attractions found throughout Japan. Through our multilingual official website, we will continue to showcase the appeal of destinations across the country, including Hokkaido, and provide high-quality travel experiences through a diverse range of tour products for international travelers.”
[About Club Tourism International Inc.]
Club Tourism International Inc. is one of Japan’s leading travel companies, specializing in a wide range of themed tours and escorted travel experiences. The company provides both domestic and international travelers with enriching journeys that highlight the unique character, culture, and attractions of destinations throughout Japan.
· Official multilingual website URLs
Traditional Chinese: https://www.club-t.com/zh-CHT/
English: https://www.club-t.com/en/
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